The Nationalists secured all six North-east seats in an astonishing election night in which they won 56 of Scotland’s 59 constituencies.

Mr Salmond has pledged to be a strong voice for progressive politics and to work hard to represent the interests of people across Gordon, no matter how they voted last Thursday.

He said: “The people of Gordon have placed their trust in me to provide a strong voice at Westminster, to speak up for progressive politics and to work to bring austerity to an end.

“I pledge to repay that trust by working hard to protect the interests of people living in Gordon every step of the way and to work together with our group of 56 SNP MPs to ensure that Scotland’s voice is heard loudly and clearly.

“I will ensure that I live up to the expectations of every person who voted for me, and I will work hard to win the trust of those who did not.”